Asking for favours

I’ve never been comfortable asking for a favour. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I mind when people ask me for a favour. In fact, I’m more than happy to help people out. But somehow, I feel just the opposite, when I have to ask for something. Growing up, I was a shy person and being a single child, I relied on myself a lot for everything. I was always good at finding my own way. It helped a lot in making me quite an independent person, but now it’s gotten to a point where I just don’t feel ok asking someone for something that I know would be construed as a favour.

One would think, why would this even be important? But the truth is, the world is becoming more connected. Social connections are important for business and for life. I don’t think we can live in an independent bubble without the help of people around you. In my line of work, it’s even more pertinent to be able to ask for introductions to network with people by asking favours. So this attitude I have, sometimes holds me back.

People get a lot more done when they don’t have a problem with asking for favours. I know someone who landed a really big account because he asked his uncle for a favour. Somehow that doesn’t bode well with me. But, it’s not really the wrong thing to do. This is how we are meant to leverage our connections. Now obviously, one shouldn’t overdo it, but a few requests here that are within ethical boundaries can’t necessarily be a bad thing. So now, I have to get over this if I want improve my work life at all.